China issues Nipah virus guideline, reports no human infections

China has reported no human infections of the potentially fatal Nipah virus, although sporadic positive antibodies have been detected in fruit bats in several southern provinces, according to a document released by the National Health Commission.

The commission on Wednesday issued the 2026 diagnosis and treatment guideline for Nipah virus disease, an acute zoonotic infection with a high fatality rate. To date, no specific antiviral drug or vaccine is available.

The disease was added to a national list of monitored infectious diseases in 2024.

According to the guideline, the infection typically causes fever, headache, muscle pain and vomiting. Severe cases may develop convulsions, coma and other symptoms of acute encephalitis, and in some cases acute respiratory distress syndrome. The incubation period generally ranges from three to 14 days, with rare cases extending to 45 days.

The natural reservoir of the Nipah virus is fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, which are mainly distributed across South Asia, Southeast Asia and parts of southern China. Pigs serve as important amplifying hosts, while other animals — including horses, cattle, dogs, cats and goats — can also be infected and contribute to transmission. Infected humans can also act as a source of infection.

The virus is typically transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids, consumption of contaminated food, or close contact with infected individuals.

Outbreaks have primarily occurred in South and Southeast Asia, most often between December and May.

The guideline advises the public to avoid traveling to affected areas, refrain from contact with fruit bats, pigs, horses and other animals, as well as their bodily fluids, secretions and excreta, and avoid consuming foods such as raw date palm juice or fruits that may have been contaminated by fruit bat saliva or urine.